Plymouth in Devon came top on a range of criteria including bike thefts, accidents, cycle routes and bike-repair centres on the list compiled by Virgin Money.

Second on the list was Norwich, followed by Bristol, St Helens in Merseyside, Huddersfield and Glasgow.

Theft and accident levels kept the City of London at only 50th and Greater London was six places further back, despite the London Mayor’s ‘Boris Bike’ initiative.

Graeme Tones, of Virgin Money, said: “Cycling continues to increase in popularity and is a major contributor to improving general health and easing traffic congestion. Government and local councils are doing their best to help more of us to get on our bikes through tax incentives, cycle parks and cycle paths.

“Every town and city in the top 60 can be pleased. Reducing the level of accidents and serious injuries requires responsibility from cyclists, care from drivers and the desire from towns and cities to make it easy and safe for people to get on their bikes.”

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